"I have threatened to drop out several times because of the abuse I have received on social networking sites. I had to close my askfm account down because I was getting death threats.

"I was expecting it, but I wasn't expecting it to be quite as bad.

"I felt it was important to make a stand. To say you can define beauty in many ways. You don't have to look or be a certain way to be beautiful.

Despite the challenges, Jordan said the competition has provided her with a confidence boost and she is pleased to be involved.

"The view that these shows are outdated and sexist are rubbish," she said. "I have had great support from the organisers and the other girls. It helps confidence, self image and self worth and it has helped me to learn to love myself.

"I may not have been born a girl, but I am no less female than the rest of the girls."

Jordan said she would encourage others in a similar position to follow in her footsteps.

"Don't be afraid and don't waste your life," she said. "Don't waste a day, because a day turns into months, months into years and you will regret it.

"Be yourself, if people can't accept you for who you are, that's their problem. You need to hold your head high."